Liverpool were deservedly beaten in the Community Shield by Crystal Palace on penalties after a thrilling match as fans got a look at the new-look Reds
17:44, 10 Aug 2025Updated 17:46, 10 Aug 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool reacts after he misses a penalty during the penalty shootout during the 2025 FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah had a woeful Community Shield(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
Liverpool were left licking their wounds at Wembley as Crystal Palace deservedly won the Community Shield.
The Reds, who were hot favourites going into the match, were beaten in a penalty shootout after an entertaining game. But the match's kick-off was marred when a minute's silence in memory of Diogo Jota was disrupted by jeering fans.
Once the whistle blew, Liverpool hit the ground running and it took just four minutes for Hugo Ekitike to break the deadlock. However, their lead was short-lived as Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled the score from the spot.
Jeremie Frimpong put Liverpool back in front with a cross that sailed over everyone and nestled in the corner of the net.
It seemed like the Reds had it in the bag, but Ismaila Sarr had other ideas, equalising for Palace with only 13 minutes on the clock. The underdogs were then denied another penalty claim when Alexis Mac Allister handled the ball, even after VAR reviewed the incident.
With no more goals before the final whistle, it all came down to penalties. Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott all fluffed their lines before Justin Devenny slotted home the decisive penalty for the Eagles.
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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Justin Devenny of Crystal Palace celebrates with teammates after he scores the winning penalty during the penalty shootout during the 2025 FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Justin Devenny scored the winning penalty(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
Here, the Daily Star Sport rates the Liverpool players in today's match....
Liverpool player ratings vs Crystal Palace
Alisson Becker - 6
Made a great save to keep out Mateta's close-range effort, but was soon sent the wrong way by the penalty kick. Pulled off some top-drawer saves in the second half. Can't be blamed for Sarr's leveller
Jeremie Frimpong - 7
Found the back of the net with a cross from a tight spot. Put in a shift at both ends, covering every inch of the right wing. Solid performance.
Ibrahima Konate - 6
Looked at ease in defence for most of the match. Used his agility to thwart counter-attacks and initiated plays with his forward-thinking passes. Looked fine.
Virgil van Dijk - 3
Conceded the penalty with a clumsy tackle on Ismaila Sarr. Switched off allowing the same player to score the equaliser after the break. Not his finest hour in a Liverpool kit, responsible for both goals.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: A penalty is awarded to Crystal Palace after this challenge by Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool on Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace during the 2025 FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk was at fault for both Crystal Palace goals(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
Milos Kerkez - 5
Had trouble handling Daniel Munoz's speed at times. Made a few decent runs upfield but was mostly tied down to defensive duties. Needs to improve.
Curtis Jones - 5
Quiet game fading into the background for most of the match, but he completed all his passes. Did the simple stuff well enough without setting the world alight.
Dominic Szoboszlai - 6
Fared okay in his new deeper position, filling in for Ryan Gravenberch. Kept the ball rolling with his slick passing and lent a hand in defence when required.
Florian Wirtz - 8
Got the assist for Ekitike's early goal and was a constant threat for the Reds. His clever footwork, smart touches and crisp passing were on full display in an impressive outing before being subbed off.
Mohamed Salah - 3
Struggled to make his mark, with only six touches in the first 37 minutes. Fluffed a golden opportunity to clinch the match for Liverpool in the dying moments and then skied his penalty. A disappointing afternoon.
Cody Gakpo - 6
Nearly found the back of the net early on but was thwarted by a top-drawer save. Put in the graft to create opportunities but his decision-making let him down at crucial moments.
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Hugo Ekitike - 7
Made his presence felt straight away with a superbly taken goal. He was the main man up front and linked well with his team-mates, but squandered two big chances which came back to bite Liverpool.
Substitutes
Wataru Endo - 6
Replaced Curtis Jones for the last 20 minutes. Kept it simple but didn't really stand out.
Alexis Mac Allister - 5
Came on for Hugo Ekitike. Had a lucky escape when he handled the ball late on without conceding a penalty, then missed his effort in the shootout.
Harvey Elliott - n/a
A late substitution. Was among those who failed to convert their penalties for Liverpool.
Andy Robertson - n/a
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Brought on late in the game.